Guideline: Higher Degree Research Conveners

Purpose

Guideline

Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates are enrolled in Colleges which provide both academic supervision and resources under the direction of the head of the academic organisational unit and ultimately of the College Dean. Some HDR candidates may be affiliated with an Academic Network which spans more than one academic organisational unit.

HDR Conveners play a critical role in supporting HDR education, facilitating cross-College collaboration on HDR matters and in the overall experience of HDR candidates.

The HDR Convener is selected by the Head of an academic organisational unit in consultation with the Associate Dean Higher Degree Research (ADHDR) and/or Dean of College. The convener is normally the designated Delegated Authority (DA) within an academic unit whose duties are laid out in the Research Awards Rule and relate to every aspect of HDR Candidate progress, from admission to examination and completion. Where these roles are not aligned, liaison with the Delegated Authority is an important means to ensure the successful progress of each candidate. There should be clear lines of communication between both these functions and the ADHDR.

The role carries significant academic and administrative responsibilities and involves skilled interpersonal communications. Heads of academic organisational units are expected to take into account the workload implications of this appointment with reference to HDR candidate numbers involved.

HDR Conveners should be an experienced supervisor with a strong research profile, an exemplar of HDR good practice and a member of the relevant academic organisational unit or network. They have a thorough, up-to-date understanding of the rules, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to higher degree research at ANU and act in accordance with them at all times. At all times they must act and advise in accordance with these rules and policies, procedures and guidelines. They are normally the point of contact for HDR matters within the academic organisational unit.

The Conveners are an important early contact for newly-enrolled candidates and it is vital that all HDRs and their supervisors are aware of their name, contact and location. Details of new HDR Convener appointments should be communicated to the relevant College Deans, College HDR administrators, HDR candidates and supervisors who report to that Convener, as well as to the Office of the Dean, Higher Degree Research.

All HDR Conveners are directly supported in their role by the ADHDR.

Duties

In addition to DA responsibilities outlined in the Research Awards Rule, the HDR Convener:

provides advice to prospective students on potential topics, supervisors and academic locations;

provides advice to Colleges on the academic merit of applications for HDR admission and scholarships;

provides broad advice to candidates on research ethics, career pathways,

convenes meetings of academic staff involved in the discipline or area of research to discuss HDR education and supervisory development, or ensures that these topics are discussed at School meetings, in consultation with the ADHDR;

provides advice and support to Colleges on the development and delivery of HDR coursework in consultation with the ADHDR;